Baha'is Mark Their Prophet's Execution

July 11, 2009

Author: David Yonke

Source: The Toledo Blade

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090711/NEWS10/907110347/-1/NEWS13

With quiet prayers, readings, and music in an open-air park shelter, about 30 local Baha'is observed the 159th anniversary of the martyrdom of their prophet the Bab on Thursday.

Participants also received an update on the fate of seven Baha'i leaders imprisoned in Iran and reportedly scheduled to go on trial today.

The observance of the martyrdom of the Bab is one of nine Baha'i holy days. The global religion, which was founded in Persia in the mid-1800s, has an estimated 7 million adherents and its essential message is one of unity.

The Bab was a prophet who taught thousands and foretold of the coming of the Baha'u'llah, or messenger of God, whom Baha'is consider to be the most recent in a succession of divine messengers that includes Abraham, Krishna, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Mohammed.

Persian authorities considered the Bab to be not just a heretic, but also a dangerous rebel.